Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A device for collecting and storing evidence containing personally identifiable information, the device comprising: a controller and a communication interface, the controller having access to a memory storing a personally identifiable information rule collection database, the controller configured to: determine an incident type of a particular incident; determine whether potential evidence associated with the particular incident includes personally identifiable information, the potential evidence being of a particular evidence type including one or more of media and metadata generated by a user or a device associated with the user; responsive to determining that the potential evidence includes personally identifiable information: determine, using the personally identifiable information rule collection database, as a function of the incident type of the particular incident and an evidence type of the potential evidence, a personally identifiable information processing mode for processing the potential evidence, the personally identifiable information processing mode selected from a plurality of personally identifiable information processing modes; and when the personally identifiable information processing mode that is selected is a processing mode for storing the potential evidence, generate, at the controller, a record of the potential evidence including the personally identifiable information to be stored in an electronic storage device by: altering the personally identifiable information according to a person-or-interest score associated with one or more persons associated with the personally identifiable information.
This invention relates to a device for collecting and storing evidence that may contain personally identifiable information (PII) during incident investigations. The device addresses the challenge of handling sensitive data while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. It includes a controller and a communication interface, with access to a PII rule collection database that defines how to process different types of evidence based on incident type and evidence type. The device determines whether potential evidence (such as media or metadata generated by a user or their device) contains PII. If PII is detected, the device selects an appropriate processing mode from multiple options, including storage, based on the incident type and evidence type. When storage is chosen, the device generates a record of the evidence, altering the PII according to a person-of-interest score associated with individuals linked to the data. This ensures that sensitive information is handled in a controlled manner, balancing investigative needs with privacy protection. The system dynamically adjusts processing based on predefined rules, reducing manual intervention and improving compliance.
2. A device for collecting and storing evidence containing personally identifiable information, the device comprising: a controller and a communication interface, the controller having access to a memory storing a personally identifiable information rule collection database, the controller configured to: determine an incident type of a particular incident; determine whether potential evidence associated with the particular incident includes personally identifiable information, the potential evidence being of a particular evidence type including one or more of media and metadata generated by a user or a device associated with the user; responsive to determining that the potential evidence includes personally identifiable information: determine, using the personally identifiable information rule collection database, as a function of the incident type of the particular incident and an evidence type of the potential evidence, whether the potential evidence should be stored or discarded; and when it is determined that the potential evidence is to be stored, generate, at the controller, a record of the potential evidence including the personally identifiable information to be stored in an electronic storage device by: altering the personally identifiable information according to a person-of-interest score associated with one or more persons associated with the personally identifiable information.
This invention relates to a device for collecting and storing evidence that may contain personally identifiable information (PII). The device addresses the challenge of handling sensitive data during investigations, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while preserving evidence integrity. The device includes a controller and a communication interface, with access to a PII rule collection database. The controller determines the type of incident under investigation and analyzes potential evidence—such as media or metadata generated by a user or their device—to check for PII. If PII is detected, the device consults the PII rule database to decide whether to store or discard the evidence based on the incident type and evidence type. If storage is permitted, the device generates a record of the evidence, altering the PII according to a person-of-interest score linked to individuals associated with the data. This score likely prioritizes retention or anonymization based on relevance to the investigation. The system ensures that sensitive data is handled responsibly while maintaining evidentiary value.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the controller is further configured to generate the record of the potential evidence by one or more of: transmitting, via the communication interface, the personally identifiable information to the electronic storage device for storage in the record; and outputting the personally identifiable information to one or more notification devices.
This invention relates to a device for managing and securing personally identifiable information (PII) in digital systems. The device addresses the problem of ensuring the integrity and availability of PII in legal or investigative contexts, where such data may be required as evidence. The device includes a controller, a communication interface, and an electronic storage device. The controller is configured to detect potential evidence involving PII, such as user activity logs, transaction records, or communication data. Upon detection, the controller generates a record of this potential evidence. This record can be created by either transmitting the PII to the electronic storage device for secure storage or by outputting the PII to one or more notification devices, such as displays or alert systems, to ensure immediate awareness. The device may also include a user interface for configuring settings related to PII detection and record generation. The communication interface facilitates data transfer between the controller and external systems, ensuring that PII is securely stored or communicated as needed. The overall system ensures that PII is preserved in a tamper-resistant manner, supporting legal or compliance requirements while minimizing unauthorized access.
4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the controller is further configured to: when it is determined that the potential evidence is not to be stored, refrain from generating the record of the potential evidence; and one or more of: generate another record indicative of refraining from generating the record of the potential evidence; and transmit, via the communication interface, an indication of the refraining to the electronic storage device for storage.
This invention relates to a digital evidence management system designed to selectively capture and store potential evidence from electronic devices. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing digital evidence by determining whether to store or discard potential evidence based on predefined criteria, reducing unnecessary storage and processing overhead. The device includes a controller that evaluates potential evidence to decide whether it should be stored. If the controller determines that the evidence should not be stored, it refrains from generating a record of that evidence. Instead, the controller may generate an alternative record indicating the decision to refrain from storing the evidence. Additionally, the controller can transmit an indication of this decision to an electronic storage device for logging purposes. This ensures transparency and accountability in evidence management by documenting both stored and discarded evidence decisions. The system also includes a communication interface for transmitting data to and from the storage device, ensuring that all relevant actions—whether storing or discarding evidence—are properly recorded. This approach enhances the reliability and traceability of digital evidence handling, particularly in legal or forensic contexts where evidence integrity is critical. The invention improves efficiency by avoiding unnecessary storage while maintaining a clear audit trail of all evidence-related decisions.
5. The device of claim 2 , wherein the controller is further configured to: determine, as a function of the person-of-interest score for each person of interest of the particular incident, whether the potential evidence should be stored or discarded.
This invention relates to a surveillance system for identifying and managing evidence related to persons of interest in security or law enforcement scenarios. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently processing large volumes of surveillance data to detect and retain relevant evidence while discarding irrelevant information. The device includes a camera system for capturing video data, a processor for analyzing the video data to detect persons of interest, and a controller for managing the storage of potential evidence. The controller assigns a person-of-interest score to each detected individual based on predefined criteria, such as facial recognition matches, behavioral patterns, or other relevant factors. The controller then evaluates these scores to determine whether the associated video data should be stored as evidence or discarded. This selective storage mechanism reduces storage requirements and improves the efficiency of evidence retrieval by prioritizing high-relevance data. The system may also include additional features, such as real-time alerts for high-scoring individuals or integration with external databases to enhance identification accuracy. The controller's decision-making process ensures that only the most relevant evidence is retained, streamlining investigations and reducing the burden on storage systems. This approach is particularly useful in environments where continuous monitoring is required, such as airports, public spaces, or high-security facilities.
6. The device of claim 2 , wherein the controller is further configured to determine the incident type of the particular incident by retrieving, via the communication interface and a computer aided dispatch database, the incident type of the particular incident.
A system for emergency response coordination includes a device with a controller and a communication interface. The device is designed to enhance incident response by integrating data from multiple sources. The controller is configured to identify and classify incidents by accessing a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) database through the communication interface. This allows the system to retrieve the specific incident type of a particular emergency, enabling more accurate and efficient response coordination. The device may also process additional data, such as location information or resource availability, to optimize response strategies. By leveraging CAD databases, the system ensures that incident types are dynamically updated and accurately reflected in response planning. This integration improves situational awareness and reduces response times by providing real-time, detailed incident classification to emergency personnel. The system may further include features for alerting, resource allocation, and interagency communication to streamline emergency operations. The overall goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response by centralizing and automating incident data retrieval and classification.
7. The device of claim 2 , wherein the controller is further configured to: access a mapping that specifies, for each of a plurality of different incident types, varying types of personally identifiable information for collection.
This invention relates to a system for managing incident response by dynamically collecting personally identifiable information (PII) based on incident type. The system includes a controller that accesses a predefined mapping to determine which types of PII should be collected for different incident scenarios. For example, a data breach incident may require collecting different PII compared to a physical security incident. The controller ensures that only relevant PII is gathered, reducing unnecessary data collection while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. The system may also include a communication interface for transmitting collected data to authorized personnel or systems. The mapping can be updated to reflect changes in legal requirements or organizational policies. This approach improves efficiency in incident response by tailoring data collection to specific situations, minimizing privacy risks and operational overhead. The invention is particularly useful in environments where handling sensitive information is critical, such as healthcare, finance, or government sectors.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the mapping comprises the plurality of different incident types having relatively low to relatively high severities, and wherein the plurality of different incident types having lower relative severity specify a relatively lower number of types of evidence containing personally identifiable information to store, and wherein the plurality of different incident types having higher relative severity specify a relatively higher number of types of evidence containing personally identifiable information to store.
This invention relates to a system for managing incident response and evidence collection, particularly in scenarios involving personally identifiable information (PII). The problem addressed is the need to balance thorough evidence collection with privacy concerns, ensuring that only necessary PII is retained based on the severity of the incident. The system includes a device that processes incident reports and maps them to different incident types, each with varying severity levels. The mapping determines the types and amount of evidence containing PII that should be stored. For incidents with lower severity, fewer types of PII-containing evidence are collected and stored, minimizing privacy risks. Conversely, higher-severity incidents trigger the collection and storage of more types of PII-containing evidence to support thorough investigations. The device also includes a processor that executes instructions to perform this mapping and evidence collection process. The system ensures that evidence handling aligns with the incident's severity, optimizing both investigative needs and privacy protection. This approach prevents unnecessary PII retention while ensuring critical data is available for high-severity incidents. The invention enhances incident response efficiency by dynamically adjusting evidence collection based on severity, reducing storage and compliance burdens for low-severity cases.
9. The device of claim 7 , wherein the mapping includes respective person-of-interest threshold conditions for storing or discarding respective personally identifiable information for each of the plurality of different incident types and the varying types of personally identifiable information that may be collected, and the controller is further configured to: determine, as a function of the person-of-interest score, whether the potential evidence should be stored or discarded by comparing the person-of-interest score with the respective person-of-interest threshold conditions.
The invention relates to a surveillance system that processes and manages personally identifiable information (PII) collected during security incidents. The system addresses the challenge of balancing privacy concerns with the need to retain relevant evidence by dynamically determining whether to store or discard PII based on incident type and severity. The device includes a controller that evaluates collected data to generate a person-of-interest score, which quantifies the relevance of an individual to an incident. The system uses predefined mapping rules that associate different incident types with specific PII threshold conditions. These thresholds dictate whether PII should be stored or discarded based on the person-of-interest score. For example, in a high-severity incident, the system may retain more PII, while in a low-severity incident, it may discard most or all PII to protect privacy. The controller compares the person-of-interest score against the threshold conditions for the detected incident type to decide whether to retain or discard the PII. This approach ensures that only relevant evidence is stored, minimizing unnecessary data retention while still supporting security investigations. The system can handle various types of PII, such as facial recognition data, biometric information, or personal identifiers, and applies tailored rules for each. This dynamic filtering mechanism enhances privacy compliance while maintaining operational effectiveness in security monitoring.
10. The device of claim 2 , wherein the controller is further configured to: determine an updated incident type of the particular incident; and, responsive to the updated incident type of the particular incident being different from the incident type of the particular incident, one of: store subsequently received potential evidence associated with the particular incident that would not have been stored based on the incident type; and refrain from storing subsequently received potential evidence associated with the particular incident that would have been stored based on the incident type.
This invention relates to incident management systems, specifically devices that dynamically adjust evidence collection based on changing incident classifications. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of static evidence collection rules, which may either miss critical evidence or waste storage resources by collecting irrelevant data when incident types are misclassified or updated during an investigation. The device includes a controller that monitors incidents and initially classifies them into specific types. As new information becomes available, the controller reassesses the incident type. If the classification changes, the system adjusts its evidence collection strategy. For example, if an incident is initially classified as low-priority but later reclassified as high-priority, the system may begin storing additional evidence that would have been ignored under the original classification. Conversely, if an incident is downgraded, the system may stop storing certain evidence that would have been collected under the higher-priority classification. This dynamic approach ensures that evidence collection remains relevant and efficient throughout the incident lifecycle. The system may also integrate with external data sources to refine incident classifications and evidence collection rules in real time.
11. The device of claim 2 , wherein the electronic storage device is associated with the particular incident.
A system for managing electronic storage devices in a security or surveillance context addresses the challenge of securely storing and retrieving data related to specific incidents. The system includes a network of electronic storage devices distributed across a physical area, where each device is configured to store data from sensors, cameras, or other monitoring equipment. The storage devices are dynamically assigned to specific incidents based on their proximity to the incident location or their availability. When an incident occurs, the system identifies the most suitable storage device and associates it with the incident, ensuring that all relevant data is stored in a centralized or distributed manner for later retrieval. This association allows authorized personnel to quickly access all data related to a particular incident, improving response times and forensic analysis. The system may also include features such as encryption, access controls, and redundancy to ensure data integrity and security. The invention enhances incident management by streamlining data storage and retrieval processes, reducing the risk of data loss, and improving the efficiency of investigations.
12. A method for collecting and storing evidence containing personally identifiable information, the method comprising: determining, at a controller of an evidence storage rules computing device, an incident type of a particular incident; determining, at the controller, whether potential evidence associated with the particular incident includes personally identifiable information, the potential evidence being of a particular evidence type including one or more of media and metadata generated by a user or a device associated with the user; responsive to determining that the potential evidence includes personally identifiable information: determining, at the controller, as a function of the incident type of the particular incident and an evidence type of the potential evidence, whether the potential evidence should be stored or discarded; and when it is determined that the potential evidence is to be stored, generating, at the controller, a record of the potential evidence including the personally identifiable information to be stored in an electronic storage device by: altering the personally identifiable information according to a person-of-interest score associated with one or more persons associated with the personally identifiable information.
The invention relates to a method for securely collecting and storing evidence that may contain personally identifiable information (PII) during incident investigations. The method addresses the challenge of balancing the need to preserve evidence for legal or security purposes while protecting individuals' privacy by selectively storing or discarding evidence based on its content and relevance. The method involves a computing device that analyzes an incident to determine its type and assesses whether potential evidence—such as media or metadata generated by a user or their device—contains PII. If PII is detected, the system evaluates whether the evidence should be stored or discarded based on the incident type and evidence type. If storage is warranted, the system generates a record of the evidence but modifies the PII according to a person-of-interest score, which likely prioritizes retention for individuals more relevant to the investigation. This approach ensures that sensitive data is handled responsibly while maintaining the integrity of the investigation. The system automates decision-making to streamline evidence management in compliance with privacy regulations.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the generating the record of the potential evidence includes one or more of: transmitting the personally identifiable information to the electronic storage device for storage in the record; and outputting the personally identifiable information to one or more notification devices.
This invention relates to systems for managing and processing personally identifiable information (PII) in digital environments. The technology addresses the challenge of securely handling and documenting PII to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and legal requirements. The method involves generating a record of potential evidence related to PII, which may include transmitting the PII to an electronic storage device for secure retention or outputting the PII to one or more notification devices for immediate review or action. The storage process ensures that the PII is preserved in a tamper-resistant format, while the output function enables real-time dissemination to authorized personnel or systems. This approach enhances accountability and traceability in PII handling, supporting audits and investigations. The method may also integrate with broader data management systems to automate compliance workflows and reduce manual intervention. By providing structured storage and controlled dissemination of PII, the invention helps organizations mitigate risks associated with data breaches and regulatory non-compliance. The solution is particularly relevant in sectors where strict privacy laws apply, such as healthcare, finance, and government.
14. The method of claim 12 , further comprising: when it is determined that the potential evidence is not to be stored, refraining from generating the record of the potential evidence; and one or more of: generating another record indicative of the refraining; and transmitting an indication of the refraining to the electronic storage device for storage.
This invention relates to evidence management systems, specifically methods for selectively storing or discarding potential evidence in digital environments. The problem addressed is the inefficient handling of potential evidence, where systems may unnecessarily store irrelevant or low-value data, consuming storage resources and complicating subsequent analysis. The solution involves a method that evaluates potential evidence and, when determined not to be stored, refrains from generating a record of that evidence. Additionally, the method may generate a separate record indicating the decision to refrain from storage or transmit an indication of this decision to an electronic storage device for recording. This approach optimizes storage usage by avoiding the creation of unnecessary records while maintaining a log of decisions made regarding evidence handling. The system may also include components for capturing potential evidence, analyzing its relevance or value, and determining whether to store or discard it based on predefined criteria. The invention improves efficiency in digital evidence management by reducing storage demands and streamlining evidence processing workflows.
15. The method of claim 12 , further comprising: determining, at the controller, as a function of the person-of-interest score for each person of interest of the particular incident, whether the potential evidence should be stored or discarded.
This invention relates to automated evidence management in surveillance systems, specifically for determining whether to retain or discard potential evidence based on relevance to a person of interest in a given incident. The system uses a surveillance network with cameras and a controller that processes video data to identify persons of interest and assign them relevance scores. The controller analyzes video segments to detect potential evidence, such as interactions or activities involving these persons. For each detected segment, the controller calculates a person-of-interest score representing the segment's relevance to the incident. Based on this score, the system decides whether to store the segment as evidence or discard it. The decision process may involve comparing the score against predefined thresholds or using machine learning models trained to assess evidentiary value. The system aims to reduce storage costs and improve evidence retrieval efficiency by automatically filtering out irrelevant data while preserving critical information. The invention is particularly useful in law enforcement, security monitoring, and public safety applications where large volumes of surveillance data must be managed.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein determining the incident type of the particular incident comprises retrieving, via a computer aided dispatch database, the incident type of the particular incident.
This invention relates to emergency response systems, specifically methods for determining the type of an incident to improve response coordination. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient incident classification to ensure appropriate resource allocation and timely response. The method involves retrieving incident type information from a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) database. The CAD database stores incident details, including the type of incident, which is used to categorize and prioritize responses. By accessing this database, the system can automatically identify the incident type, such as medical emergencies, fires, or criminal activities, without manual intervention. This automation reduces delays and errors in incident classification, allowing dispatchers and responders to act quickly and effectively. The method integrates with existing CAD systems, leveraging their data to streamline incident management. The invention enhances emergency response efficiency by ensuring that the correct incident type is identified and communicated to the appropriate responders, improving overall public safety outcomes.
17. The method of claim 12 , further comprising: accessing a mapping that specifies, for each of a plurality of different incident types, varying types of personally identifiable information for collection.
This invention relates to incident management systems, specifically improving data collection during incident reporting. The problem addressed is the inconsistent and incomplete collection of personally identifiable information (PII) across different types of incidents, which can hinder investigations and compliance. The solution involves a dynamic mapping system that standardizes PII collection based on incident type. The system maintains a configurable mapping that associates each incident type with specific PII categories to be collected. For example, a workplace injury incident may require collecting employee medical information, while a cybersecurity breach may require collecting digital identifiers. When an incident is reported, the system automatically retrieves the corresponding PII requirements from the mapping and prompts users to provide only the relevant data. This ensures compliance with privacy regulations while tailoring data collection to the incident's needs. The mapping can be updated to accommodate new incident types or changes in regulatory requirements. The system may also validate collected PII against predefined criteria to ensure accuracy and completeness. This approach reduces manual errors, improves incident response efficiency, and maintains data privacy by collecting only necessary information. The invention is particularly useful in enterprise environments where multiple incident types must be managed consistently.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the mapping comprises the plurality of different incident types having relatively low to relatively high severities, and wherein the plurality of different incident types having lower relative severity specify a relatively lower number of types of evidence containing personally identifiable information to store, and wherein the plurality of different incident types having higher relative severity specify a relatively higher number of types of evidence containing personally identifiable information to store.
This invention relates to incident management systems, specifically methods for handling and storing evidence containing personally identifiable information (PII) during incident investigations. The problem addressed is the need to balance thorough evidence collection with privacy concerns, ensuring that only necessary PII is retained based on the severity of the incident. The method involves mapping incident types to different levels of severity, ranging from low to high. For incidents with lower severity, fewer types of PII-containing evidence are stored, minimizing unnecessary data retention. Conversely, higher-severity incidents require storing a broader range of PII evidence to support thorough investigations. The system dynamically adjusts the types of PII evidence collected and retained based on the incident's severity, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while maintaining investigative effectiveness. The approach includes categorizing incidents into severity levels and defining corresponding evidence collection rules. For low-severity incidents, only essential PII evidence is retained, while high-severity incidents trigger the storage of additional PII types to support comprehensive analysis. This adaptive method ensures that evidence handling aligns with the incident's criticality, optimizing privacy protection and investigative efficiency.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the mapping includes respective person-of-interest threshold conditions for storing or discarding respective personally identifiable information for each of the plurality of different incident types and the varying types of personally identifiable information that may be collected, the method further comprising: determining, at the controller, as a function of the person-of-interest score, whether the potential evidence should be stored or discarded by comparing the person-of-interest score with the respective person-of-interest threshold conditions.
This invention relates to a system for managing the collection and storage of personally identifiable information (PII) in surveillance or security applications. The problem addressed is the need to balance privacy concerns with the necessity of retaining relevant evidence during investigations. The system dynamically evaluates whether to store or discard PII based on predefined threshold conditions tailored to different incident types and PII categories. The method involves a controller that processes potential evidence, including PII, and assigns a person-of-interest score to each individual or entity involved. This score reflects the relevance of the individual to an ongoing investigation or security concern. The system then compares the score against predefined threshold conditions specific to the incident type and the type of PII collected. If the score meets or exceeds the threshold, the PII is stored for further analysis; otherwise, it is discarded to protect privacy. The threshold conditions are configurable, allowing adjustments based on legal requirements, operational policies, or evolving security needs. This approach ensures that only necessary PII is retained, minimizing unnecessary data storage while maintaining investigative capabilities. The system supports multiple incident types, such as criminal investigations, security breaches, or compliance monitoring, each with distinct PII handling rules. The method also accommodates varying PII types, such as facial recognition data, biometric information, or personal identifiers, ensuring flexible and context-aware privacy management.
20. The method of claim 12 , further comprising: determining, at the controller, an updated incident type of the particular incident; and, responsive to the updated incident type of the particular incident being different from the incident type of the particular incident, one of: storing subsequently received potential evidence associated with the particular incident that would not have been stored based on the incident type; and refraining from storing subsequently received potential evidence associated with the particular incident that would have been stored based on the incident type.
This invention relates to incident management systems, specifically improving evidence collection and storage based on dynamic incident classification. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of static incident categorization, which may lead to either excessive storage of irrelevant data or failure to capture critical evidence as an incident evolves. The system includes a controller that initially classifies an incident into a specific type, which determines the types of potential evidence that are stored for investigation. As the incident progresses, the controller reassesses and updates the incident type. If the updated type differs from the initial classification, the system adjusts evidence storage accordingly. For example, if the incident type changes to one that requires broader evidence collection, the system stores additional data that would have been ignored under the original classification. Conversely, if the updated type requires narrower evidence collection, the system refrains from storing data that would have been stored under the initial type. This dynamic adjustment ensures that evidence storage aligns with the evolving nature of the incident, optimizing resource use and investigation accuracy. The method applies to various incident types, including security breaches, operational failures, or other events where evidence collection is critical.
Unknown
September 15, 2020
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